PIERCING AFTERCARE

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The aftercare you give your piercing will determine how well and how quickly it will heal. It is important to do everything possible to avoid infection. Our aftercare guide provides general guidelines for the care of your new piercing.

For various reasons, there are products you should never use on a piercing. These include, but are not limited to rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, Neosporin, hand sanitizer, Band-Aid Wound Wash, essential oils, etc. If your piercer did not recommend it, don’t use it!

While your piercing is healing, there are common bodily reactions that are not cause for concern. Slight redness, crusting, clear discharge, slight swelling, tenderness, and minor bleeding are all normal. However, if you experience itching, rashes, excessive swelling, extreme pain, dark or foul-smelling pus, or uncontrollable bleeding, it is recommended that you contact a professional piercer or piercing-friendly physician.

Healing times vary greatly from person to person and piercing to piercing. Your piercing will take approximately 6-12 months to fully heal, while the initial healing phase will take 6-12 weeks. If you are experiencing any problems, do not remove your jewelry. Removal of jewelry will eliminate an exit for discharge and can seal any infection inside, causing an abscess or making you seriously ill.

Jewelry should be left in during the entire healing process. If any jewelry changes are necessary, they should be made by a professional piercer.

After the initial healing period, jewelry should be left in at all times. Even an old, well-healed piercing can shrink or close within a short period of time, making reinsertion difficult or nearly impossible. If you like your piercing, leave it in! If you no longer want your piercing, contact a piercer for proper removal, cleaning, and scar-diminishing techniques.

Disclaimer

If you have any healing problems, we will be happy to help in any way we can. Please feel free to stop by or call any Millennium^® store. These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is NOT to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Keep in mind that removal of jewelry can lead to further complications. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing. Your local piercer may be able to refer you to a piercing friendly medical professional.